Two new military recruits from Infantry Battalion 409, based in Kaleinaung town of Yebyu Township in Tanintharyi Region, have defected to the Duwa Column with their weapons. The incident occurred on September 19th when Private Aung Myoe Paing and Private Hein Min Thu, both from Training Batch 13, defected to the Dawei Nationalities Liberation Army (DNLA) with their service weapons. This defection represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the military council and resistance forces.
The defecting soldiers brought with them two MA-1 rifles, three ammunition magazines, and 120 rounds of ammunition. Upon their arrival, the Duwa Column awarded each soldier with a reward of 5 million kyats (approximately 50 lakhs) and safely transported them to a liberated area. This defection highlights the growing dissatisfaction within the military council’s ranks and demonstrates the willingness of service members to join the civilian resistance movement. The soldiers’ decision to defect with their weapons provides additional resources to the resistance forces while simultaneously weakening the military council’s capabilities.
As the revolution and military operations continue to intensify, the Duwa Column has issued an open call to all military council soldiers and police force members who wish to stand on the side of truth and justice, encouraging them to seek refuge with the people’s forces as soon as possible. The resistance forces have assured potential defectors of their safety and rights upon joining the people’s side, emphasizing that those who wish to escape the military council’s oppression will be welcomed and protected. This incident demonstrates the ongoing erosion of the military council’s authority and the strengthening of the resistance movement throughout the country.
